The new Mayor of Cromer has been revealed, with residents and the council alike pleased to see that a familiar and experienced face will be taking over office.

The former Deputy Mayor David Pritchard has taken over from predecessor John Frosdick, and starts his second term having been elected Mayor in 2013.

The new leader of the town council says he intends to “complete what he started” in his office in 2013, which was the restoration and repair of the town’s World War One memorial.

Mr Pritchard, who lives in Blackberry Grove, said: “The Memorial was erected to remember the names of those men from Cromer who died because of conflict in World War One. Despite being known as the “War to end all wars”, there were blank panels left at the base of the Memorial, so it is only appropriate that the names of those who died since in subsequent conflicts should have their names engraved on the Memorial.”

Members of the public have been invited to sponsor the memorial at £10 per letter, with extra funds being raised through bucket collections.

Mr Pritchard, who is 51, continued: “The work is due to be completed by the end of June, and comes to a formal conclusion on November 10, when the Memorial will be unveiled and rededicated.”

Mr Pritchard, who works as a Civil Servant, added that he lead negotiations with Westerleigh regarding their proposal to open a new crematorium. He said: “We have a facility which as a town we are really proud of. Some people who objected to the crematorium have already spoken to me and apologised for objecting to the building. It’s a thoughtful construction in a beautiful setting, which can only benefit the people of Cromer and surrounding towns and villages at a time of family grief and sadness.”

Speaking of Cromer Town Council, he said: “We have a fantastic team of officers. Call me parochial but I think that Cromer Town Council is one of the best around and when I’m out meeting members from other authorities I love promoting the town and the Council and everything about Cromer.”